Although braces have become stronger thanks to modern technology, it is still important to be careful. Certain foods can damage both the braces themselves and their components.
What can and cannot be eaten with braces?
Why you should avoid certain foods with braces
Braces have components that can be damaged by certain foods. It is important to avoid very hard or sticky foods.
After installing braces, you will have to change your eating habits. Choosing the right diet will make wearing braces more comfortable. You will also not have to visit the orthodontist as often to repair the braces, preventing their damage.
Food that is too hard or sticky can break the archwire or dislodge the bracket from the tooth. If this happens, the braces will be ineffective until the orthodontist repairs them. Avoiding damage will help remove braces faster.
For a day or two after the braces are installed, the patient may feel discomfort. While the teeth are getting used to the braces, it is recommended to eat mostly soft food.
Eating foods with a high sugar content and not following the rules of hygiene can cause stains to appear on the exposed parts of the teeth.
One of the biggest risks with braces is biting down on hard food with your front teeth. Therefore, before eating, food should be chopped into smaller pieces and stronger back teeth should be used for chewing.
Foods that cannot be eaten with braces
Crunchy and sticky foods such as nuts, chewing gum, and hard candies can loosen the staples and wires, which can delay healing.
Foods to avoid with braces:
- nuts;
- potato chips;
- popcorn;
- hard candies (for example, lollipops);
- chewing gum;
- sticky candies (for example, toffee);
- corn;
- apples;
- raw carrots;
- dried beef;
- hard cookies and cakes.
Cut food into smaller pieces to avoid problems with braces.
Foods you can eat with braces
While there are many foods that people with braces should avoid, there are plenty of delicious foods that you can eat:
- pasta, pasta;
- mashed potatoes;
- boiled vegetables;
- meat without bones;
- soft vegetables and fruits;
- soups;
- dairy products;
- soft bread and sandwiches;
- casseroles;
- pizza (without crust);
- cheese;
- peanut butter
It’s also worth noting that eating a healthy, nutritious diet is important for oral health and overall health. The healthier your body, the better the results of orthodontic treatment, as a proper diet provides the necessary nutrients for the bones and tissues that undergo significant changes during braces treatment.
Cleaning the teeth from food residues and plaque prevents decay and stains. Lingual or internal braces on the back of the teeth require special care because you can’t see if food is stuck behind the teeth.